Saint-Etienne’s thrilling 2-2 draw against 10-man Metz sealed their promotion back to Ligue 1 in dramatic fashion. Substitute Ibrahima Wadji became the hero of the night with a late goal in extra time, giving his team a 4-3 aggregate victory. The relegation-promotion playoff provided nail-biting moments as both legs ended 2-1 in regular time, forcing extra time at Stade Saint-Symphorien. Despite Metz playing with a numerical disadvantage since the 7th minute due to a red card, they managed to take a 2-0 lead early on.
The 19-year-old Wadji stepped up when it mattered most by scoring his first goal of the season in the 117th minute of the second leg. His decisive strike broke the hearts of Metz fans and secured Saint-Etienne’s return to the top flight after two seasons in the second division. The young forward’s composure under pressure and clinical finish highlighted his potential as a rising star in French football.
Despite being on the losing side, Metz’s Georgie forward, Georges Mikautadze, once again showcased his quality by finding the back of the net. Mikautadze, who scored 23 league goals this season, has been a standout performer for Metz and played a pivotal role in their promotion campaign last year. His future seems destined for bigger clubs, as his goal-scoring prowess has caught the attention of many top-tier teams.
The post-match celebrations took an ugly turn as tensions rose between the players and the stewards. Saint-Etienne’s jubilant players were confronted by the stewards, leading to a physical altercation that saw one steward falling to the ground. The heated exchange tainted an otherwise joyous occasion for Saint-Etienne, as their promotion party was marred by the unsavory incident.
Saint-Etienne’s promotion back to Ligue 1 was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with late drama and unexpected twists. The players showcased resilience and determination, while the fans endured a nerve-wracking playoff experience. As they prepare to return to the top flight, Saint-Etienne will look to build on this success and establish themselves as a competitive force in French football once again.
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